Does reverse Pin protection work?

I've heard that if you are ever forced by a robber to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you can notify the police by entering your Pin in reverse. Apparently the machine will still give you the money as requested, but unknown to the robber, the police will be immediately dispatched to the location. It sounds like a great idea, is it true? MM, Surrey

The story regarding 'reverse PIN protection' is an urban myth.

Mark Bowerman from APACS replies:

The story regarding 'reverse Pin protection' is an urban myth, no such system exists in the UK.

The resources needed to put such a mechanism in operation are too prohibitive for it to work effectively, and there are associated issues with it, for instance if your Pin is 6446.

If you do find yourself in such a situation and you enter your Pin backwards, it will only serve to delay your withdrawal and may incite frustration from would-be assailants. You should put your personal safety first and co-operate as best you can.'

This is Money's tips on dealing with identity fraud

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